The secretariat of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has the great regret to inform you about the sudden and unexpected death of our Director General, Sylvain Lhôte, French national, aged 51, on Thursday 6 June 2019 from heart failure.

Sylvain was the Director General of CEPI since 2016, he brought a strong leadership to the organisation, reforming the way of working, focusing on building efficient working tools and processes, encouraging synergies and increased communication among colleagues and value chain partners. He was instrumental in outlining a strategy for the future of the industry in order to successfully go through major transformations related to tackling climate change and leveraging the potential of the bioeconomy.

Sylvain brought 25 years of government and public affairs expertise, working with leading material technology and manufacturing industries on climate and energy policies, sustainability and industrial affairs, as well as competition and international trade issues. Prior to joining CEPI, Sylvain was Vice-president Governmental Affairs and Business Development in the EMEA Region for Alcoa, the aluminium and metals engineering group. He previously directed EU and sustainability affairs for the Borealis Group, in the base chemicals and plastics industry. He also chaired FleishmanHillard’s Public Affairs practice in Europe and headed its environment department, advising major trade associations and industries in the field of sustainability policies and PA strategies.

It is with sadness and silence that we are mourning Sylvain. His sense of humour, charisma, endless creativity, strategic thinking and tenacity in defending his points will be greatly missed. He was married to Florence and the father of two children, Romain and Julie. Our thoughts are with them, their family and loved ones.

Given the exceptional circumstances, Jori Ringman, CEPI’s Deputy Director General, has been appointed as CEPI’s Acting Director General with immediate effect.